There’s all kinds of complicated dynamics going on in this strangest of all presidential elections, a number of which are new and different. Collectively, they will result in either a healthy Hillary win or a landslide, I believe.
I’m curious, though, about some of the dynamics going on with Republicans … and with evangelicals.
Something like 80% of Republicans support Trump. A high number. My impression is that he went into free-fall when the Access Hollywood tape came out … but then, 48 hours later, in the second debate, his bravura performance of Hillary demonization actually pulled much of the base back in line. (NBC News/WSJ polls show that 67% of Republicans thought congressional Republicans should continue to back Trump prior to the debate, rising to 83% afterwards.)
That, by itself, is a scary dynamic. Demagoguery works. An authoritarian pitch can resonate with a sizable segment of the American electorate. It makes me wonder, among other things, whether a similar performance tonight will strengthen his base, regardless of what it does for other voters.
A Key Talking Point
Here’s one dynamic that’s going on out there among regular voters. It was voiced by a woman this morning while being interviewed on NPR. She dismissed the assault allegations against Trump based on their “all” coming out now, just weeks before the election ... like they were coordinated.
That’s a talking point among those who either want to support Trump or decide that it’s reasonable to do so. The allegations are suspect due to their timing — arising together, in the late stages of an election.
I listened to that interview with frustration, because I had noticed, from various stories, that some of the women did come forward before the Access Hollywood tape. There are ten accusers listed in this story, and at least three made it public months ago, one of them years ago.
I don’t think this story covers all the allegations either. It says nothing about the beauty pageant locker room incidents, for example.
I wonder if we can clarify this particular talking point. What is the timeline of accusations? Not when these events occurred, but when the accusations happened.
I hope that we’re having conversations with Trump supporters, along with all other folks from the many and various perspectives out there. I talk to a few such folks, from time to time. I think it helps to have that “fact clarifying” part of it. Especially if we can do it without expressing our natural exasperation … over the abuse allegations in particular or the Trump phenomenon in general.
We’re at the point in this country where we don’t all work from the same set of facts. For some, a plain conversation where we share those factual differences can be a little helpful … a starting place for stitching the fabric of our raw political culture back together.
